Maritimers deal with cold start to new year

Cold weather wallops the Maritimes in first week of 2026.

The first few days of 2026 are turning out to be some of the coldest of the winter so far across the Maritimes.

Since late last week in the Moncton area, temperatures have dropped below –20 C, making it difficult to spend much time outdoors.

Despite the cold, operations at the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport have not slowed.

Airport officials say winter plans are always in place, with crews and equipment ready around the clock to keep flights operating safely.

“We’re in the Maritimes — we get a lot of snow in the winter — and we’re here to make sure the airfield is safe so planes can land and depart,” said Lauren Guitard with the airport.

In downtown Moncton Monday, the cold was enough to keep most people moving. Pedestrians were bundled up and limiting their time outside.

Construction workers holding signs along busy roads remained in place, adjusting to the cold conditions.

The extended cold is also increasing energy use as electric heating systems work harder to keep homes warm.

The colder it is outside, the longer heating systems need to run to maintain indoor temperatures, according to NB Power.

Brent Lockhart, a key account specialist with NB Power, says small efficiency measures can help during cold snaps. Residents are encouraged to close curtains at night, turn the heat down when sleeping and lower temperatures in rooms that are not being used.

While the cold has caused challenges for some, it has been helpful for ski hills in Cape Breton.

With little natural snowfall so far this season, operators at Ski Ben Eoin say sustained cold temperatures have allowed them to make snow and open for the season.

“The snow guns are going. We need the temperatures to make snow, and the conditions are good,” said Evan MacDonald with Ski Ben Eoin.

The forecast is predicting warmer temperatures later in the week.